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Fire Rescue Dispatcher Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

... life and property by fire fighting and rescue activities, usually under close supervision ... Relays instructions, orders, and information; gives location of alarms received from dispatcher.

Firefighter/Paramedic

Duxbury, MA · On-site

$36.46 - $42.27/hr

... of protectinglife and property by fire fighting and rescue activities, usually under ... Relays instructions, orders, and information; gives location ofalarms received from dispatcher. May ...

... of protectinglife and property by fire fighting and rescue activities, usually under ... Relays instructions, orders, and information; gives location ofalarms received from dispatcher. May ...

Fire Rescue Dispatcher information

See Boston, MA salary details

$12

$23

$36

How much do fire rescue dispatcher jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire rescue dispatcher in Boston, MA is $23.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.56 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire rescue dispatcher?

Fire Rescue Dispatchers are emergency communication professionals who receive and process calls for fire, rescue, and medical assistance. They coordinate the deployment of fire and rescue units, relay critical information to first responders, and provide instructions to callers during emergencies. Their role requires strong communication skills, the ability to remain calm under pressure, and familiarity with emergency procedures and technology. Dispatchers are often the first point of contact in a crisis and play a vital role in ensuring public safety.

What is the difference between Fire Rescue Dispatcher vs Emergency Medical Dispatcher?

AspectFire Rescue DispatcherEmergency Medical Dispatcher
Required CertificationsEmergency Medical Dispatch certification often preferredEmergency Medical Dispatch certification required
Work EnvironmentCoordinate fire and rescue responses, often in fire stations or dispatch centersCoordinate medical emergencies, typically in dispatch centers
Employer & Industry UsageFire departments, emergency servicesEMS agencies, hospitals, emergency services
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared due to similar emergency dispatch rolesRelated but focuses on medical emergencies

Fire Rescue Dispatchers primarily coordinate fire and rescue responses, while Emergency Medical Dispatchers focus on medical emergencies. Both roles require emergency dispatch certifications and work in similar environments, often within emergency services. The main difference lies in the type of emergencies handled—fire rescue versus medical—making each role specialized within the broader emergency response system.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire rescue dispatcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Rescue Dispatcher, you need excellent multitasking abilities, strong decision-making skills, and typically a high school diploma or equivalent, sometimes supplemented by public safety telecommunications certification. Familiarity with computer-aided dispatch (CAD) systems, radio communication tools, and emergency response protocols is essential. Outstanding communication, composure under pressure, and effective problem-solving set top performers apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure rapid, clear, and accurate emergency response coordination, which can directly impact public safety and outcomes.

How does a fire rescue dispatcher typically collaborate with emergency response teams during high-pressure situations?

Fire Rescue Dispatchers play a crucial role in coordinating emergency response by maintaining clear and constant communication with firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers. During high-pressure incidents, dispatchers relay critical information, update teams on changing conditions, and prioritize multiple calls to ensure resources are allocated efficiently. They must remain calm, multitask effectively, and use specialized dispatch software to monitor units in real time. This collaboration is essential for ensuring quick, organized, and effective emergency responses.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Boston, MA?

For Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Boston, MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Boston, MA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Rescue Dispatcher jobs in Boston, MA are:

Infographic showing various Fire Rescue Dispatcher job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,782 per year, or $23.9 per hour.

Full-time

Re-posted 1 hour ago


Job description

DETAILED STATEMENT OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Receive, review and transmit emergency-related and law enforcement-related communications by operating emergency 9-1-1 communication systems, computer systems, telephone networks, and a worldwide police telecommunications system in order to disseminate information on emergencies, answer complaints, and transmit broadcast orders to coordinate the dispatching of public safety personnel. Receive, review and transmit emergency and non-emergency test calls to ensure proper operation, location information and routing.
  • Provide information via communications systems to coordinate the activities of emergency and other public safety personnel who are engaged in responding to critical incidents and major threats to public safety and/or security such as natural disasters, fires, domestic abuse reports, emergency medical situations, psychological commitments, vehicle pursuits, surveillance, searches, safety hazards, etc.,
  • Respond to requests for information from agencies relative to missing or wanted individuals, criminal histories, stolen property, sensitive intelligence on subjects such as drug interdiction and terrorist activities, etc.
  • Utilize numerous federal, state and municipal law enforcement and emergency communication systems for the purpose of receiving, evaluating and forwarding information to other federal, state, municipal and international law enforcement and emergency response or management agencies, which includes utilizing the Massachusetts Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS). CJIS comprises, but is not limited to, in-state systems such as the Board of Probation (BOP) files, the Warrant Management Systems (WMS) and the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) files, and national/interstate law enforcement information systems such as the National Crime Information Center (NCIC), Interstate Identification Index (Ill), and the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems (Nlets).
  • Assist with coordination and mobilization of rescue, fire and emergency medical services on a regional and statewide basis and participate in coordination of emergency and non-emergency responses when required.
  • Respond to incoming requests for information from other agencies, news media and the general public to provide both law enforcement-oriented and general information about topics such as weather conditions, road conditions and travel directions.
  • Provide administrative assistance and maintain records and files of radio transmissions and messages received and/or transmitted via computer, telecommunications and 911 network systems. Perform routine clerical duties such as sorting, organizing, and copying files and reports, and producing copies of call recordings that have been stored on electronic media to fulfill records requests and to assist with recordkeeping for the communications center.
  • Operate an emergency TTY/TDD system for the hearing impaired public and facilitate operation of a language line system for the non-English speaking public.
  • Testify in court as a material witness relative to work product and related activities when required.

Pre-Employment Requirements - Candidates must pass a pre-employment screening which includes: 1) Drug screening; 2) A criminal records check based upon fingerprint examination; 3) A background check to include criminal, employment, personal and, if applicable, military service history; and 4) For positions in the Public Safety Dispatcher Series, a hearing test to establish capacity to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, in varying sound environments. Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
To Apply:
Please upload both Resume and Cover Letter for this position when applying.
Qualifications:
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Applicants must have at least (A) one year of full-time, or equivalent part-time, experience in the operation of communications systems, or in fast paced environments where multi-tasking is required, and (B) a high school diploma or certificate of graduation from a secondary education school or program recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.*
* A Massachusetts High School Equivalency diploma, certificate of General Educational Development (GED), or an equivalent secondary education credential recognized by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts may also be accepted.
Applicants are required to successfully complete a critical skills assessment prior to hire.
Incumbents may be required to have a current and valid motor vehicle driver's license at a class level specific to assignment.
Incumbents may become certified as a Communications Training Officer and/or obtain other related certification(s) via on-the-job training as determined by the Agency and must be able to obtain and maintain job-related certifications and/or credentials necessary to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of their work assignment..
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.